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Data sheetMHAD01_02Issue 2, 24th April 2013
AksIM™ off-axis rotary absolute encoder
AksIM™ is a non-contact high performance off-axis absolute rotary encoder designed for integration into space-constrained applications. A hollow ring, true absolute functionality and high speed operation make this encoder suitable for many applications.
The AksIM™ encoder system consists of an axially magnetised ring and a readhead.
The encoders come with SSI, SPI, PWM, asynchronous serial RS422 and USB communication interfaces and offer a range of binary resolutions to 18 bits per revolution.
The encoder operates from -40 °C to +85 °C and is resistant to shock and vibrations.
The AksIM™ encoder has a built-in advanced self-monitoring function, continually checking several internal parameters. Error reporting, warnings and other status signals are available on all digital interfaces and are visualised with the on-board LED.
The AksIM™ encoder system is suitable for use in industrial and medical applications.
A typical application is a robotic arm joint with a cable feed running through the ring or a precision gearbox where the ring is attached onto the main transmission shaft.
Custom design service for OEM integration is also available.
True absolute system
Single track
Custom magnetic sensor ASIC
No hysteresis
Resolution to 18 bits
High speed operation
Low profile, non-contact
Built-in self-monitoring
Integrated status LED
SSI, SPI, PWM, asynchronous serial RS422 or USB communication interface
Corrosion resistant magnetic ring
Data sheetMHAD01_02
2
Dimensions and tolerances in mm.AksIM™ dimensions
Ring MRA7
49
56
3.35.6
4.2
0+0.2
0
222
.4
25H
7
49
43.4
5.5 2.4; 6× 2.9 THRU
152
30+0
.05
9
4 min.
31
R20 min. dynamicR10 min. static
Zero
pos
ition
mar
k
7
24.5
28.7
3.9
A
0.1 A
A
0.2 ±0.1RIDE HEIGHT
DETAIL A SCALE 5 : 1
2.2
2.2
NOTE:CCW positive measuring direction.
+
Ring MRA8
4956
80
55H
7
58.6
3.35.6
4.2
0+0.2
0
37.6
2
5.5 2; 6x2.9 THRU2 30
30+0.0
5
61.5
9
4 min.
R20 min. dynamicR10 min. static
+
7
3.9
24.5
28.7
A
0.1 A
A
0.2 ±0.1 RIDE HEIGHT
DETAIL A SCALE 5 : 1
2.22.2
NOTE:CCW positive measuring direction.
Zero
pos
ition
mar
k
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AksIM™ technical specifications
System dataReading type Axial readingResolution From 15 to 18 bit (see chapter Available resolutions)Maximum speed > 10,000 rpm
Encoder accuracy ±0.025° (before installation - errors caused by mounting inaccuracy of the readhead, ring and drive shaft are not included)
Final system accuracy Typ. ±0.1° (including installation tolerances - see chapter Installation instructions)Hysteresis Less than unit of resolutionRepeatability Better than unit of resolutionElectrical dataSupply voltage 4 V to 6 V – voltage on readhead *Set-up time 10 ms (first data ready after switch-on)Power consumption Typ. 115 mA, max. 150 mAVoltage drop over cable ~ 55 mV/m – without loadMechanical data
Available ring sizes (outer diameter)
49 mm (ring MRA7)80 mm (ring MRA8)
Material type Ring EN 1.4005 / AISI416 or EN 1.4104 / AISI430F with glued NBR rubber filled with ferrite particles
MassReadhead (with 1 m cable, no connector) 45 gRing MRA7 32 gRing MRA8 45 g
Cable Ø4.2 ± 0.2 mm, PUR highly flexible cable, drag-chain compatible, double-shielded; 8 × 0.05 mm2; durability: 20 million cycles at 20 mm bend radius; power supply lines resistance: 0.48 Ω/m
Environmental data
TemperatureOperating -40 °C to +85 °C with static cable
-10 °C to +80 °C with cable under dynamic conditionsStorage -40 °C to +85 °C
Humidity 0 to 100% (condensation permitted)
Environmental protection IP64 (protected against dust and splashing water)
External magnetic field Max ±6 mT (DC or AC) on top side of readhead
Status indicator LEDThe LED provides visual feedback of signal strength, error condition and for set-up and diagnostic use.
LED StatusGreen Normal operation; position data is valid
Orange Warning; position is valid, but the resolution and/or accuracy might be out of specification. Some operating conditions are outside limits.
Red Error; position data is not valid
No light No power supply
* Note: Consider voltage drop over cable.
Data sheetMHAD01_02
4
Installation instructionsAxial position adjustment (air gap)The nominal gap between the sensor on the readhead and the rubber band on the ring is 0.2 ± 0.1 mm. To achieve this, the base of the ring should be in the same level as the bottom of the readhead. See "Detail A" section of the drawing on the previous page.
Any nonmagnetic tool with 0.2 mm thickness can be used to check the correct air gap setting mechanically.The integrated LED can be used as a coarse indicator. When the correct air gap is achieved, the LED glows green and does not change colour when the ring rotates.
Radial position adjustmentThe four small holes (Ø2 mm) in the housing of the readhead should be used for correct radial positioning of the readhead to the ring.The two holes farther apart are for adjusting the readhead to the MRA7 ring (see Installation drawing on the next page). The two holes closer together are for adjusting the readhead to the MRA8 ring (see Installation drawing on the next page).
Axial (Z) displacement (ride height) 0.2 mm nominal ±0.1 mm
Radial (Y) displacement ±0.3 mm
Off center (X) displacement ±0.5 mm
Nonparalell mounting ±0.05 mm
Installation tolerances (readhead to ring)
X
Y
Z
Ring/shaft fit on MRA7 Guaranteed accuracyH7/g6 ±0.07°
H7/h7* ±0.08°
H7/f7 ±0.09°
Installation tolerances (ring to shaft)
Ring/shaft fit on MRA8 Guaranteed accuracyH7/g6 ±0.06°
H7/h7* ±0.07°
H7/f7 ±0.08°
* Note: Fit with possible zero gap is not recommended.
Position [ ° ]200180160140120100806040200
0,10,090,080,070,060,050,040,030,020,01
0-0,01-0,02-0,03-0,04-0,05-0,06-0,07-0,08-0,09-0,1
360340320300280260240220200
Err
or [
° ]
Accuracy of the encoder system
Precise centering of the ring is key to achieving good overall accuracy.
By minimising the eccentricity of the ring installation (using a gauge) and using a drive shaft with precision bearings, the error can be reduced typically to ±0.025°.
A typical accuracy plot after good installation is shown in the graph on the right.
WARNING!
ESD protectionReadhead is ESD sensitive - handle with care. Do not touch wires or sensor area without proper ESD protection or outside of ESD controlled environment.
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55 f7
M3×8; 2×
MHA8TACC01MHA8MRA8
M2.5×5; 6×SHAFT
Readhead mounting surface
2 holes for positioning to ring MRA8 with MHA8TACC01
0.1 A
A
Installation drawing for MHA8 and MRA8
Adjustment procedure Loosen mounting screws (M3) for readhead. Pull readhead away from center of ring. Insert adjustment tool (MHA7ACC01 or MHA8ACC01) or two screws (M2×8 mm) into assisting holes. Push readhead towards ring so that assisting pins or screws touch outer side of ring. Tighten mounting screws. Remove adjustment tool or assisting screws. Check operation of encoder.
M3×8; 2×
MHA7TACC01MHA7MRA7
M2.5×5; 6×SHAFT
Readhead mounting surface
25 f7
2 holes for positioning to ring MRA7 with MHA7TACC01
0.1 A
A
Installation drawing for MHA7 and MRA7
Data sheetMHAD01_02
6
Electrical connections
Pin Wire Colour Asynchronous serial RS422
PWM SSI SPI slave
Case Outer shield Encoder/machine case
(Earth connection)
Encoder/machine case
(Earth connection)
Encoder/machine case
(Earth connection)
Encoder/machine case
(Earth connection)
1 Inner shield 0 V (GND) 0 V (GND) 0 V (GND) 0 V (GND)
2 Red RX data in + - Clock + SCK (Clock in)
3 Blue RX data in - - Clock - CS (Chip Select)
4 Grey - Status - Status
5 Brown 5 V supply 5 V supply 5 V supply 5 V supply
6 Green TX data out + - Data + MISO (Data out)
7 Yellow TX data out - - Data - -
8 Pink - PWM Out - -
9 White 0 V (GND) 0 V (GND) 0 V (GND) 0 V (GND)
Inner shield
Outer shield
Output signals
Extension cable
Customer electronics
5 V
0 V
Encoder
For USB interface, the encoder is provided with a certified USB cable and type A connector.
WARNING!
ESD protectionReadhead is ESD sensitive - handle with care. Do not touch wires or sensor area without proper ESD protection or outside of ESD controlled environment.
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AksIM™ communication interfaces
Available resolutions
Asynchronous serial RS422Baud rate 115.2 kbps, 128 kbps, 230.4 kbps, 256 kbps, 500 kbps, 1 Mbps
Data format 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit
Update rate On demand or continuous
Resolution See table below
Latency 250 µs
PWMBase frequency 122.07 Hz
Step duration 0.125 µs
Update rate 122.07 Hz
Resolution 16 bits
Latency 250 µs
SSI* Maximum clock frequency 500 kHz
Update rate 4 kHz
Resolution See table below
Latency 250 µs to 500 µs
Timeout (monoflop time) 20 µs
SPI slave*
Maximum clock frequency 3 MHz at 1.5 m cable length
Update rate 4 kHz
Resolution 16 bits fixed (option S) or up to 18 bits (option A) - see table below
Latency 250 µs to 500 µs
USBStandard USB 1.1
Update rate 4 kHz
Resolution 17 bits fixed on MHA7; 18 bits fixed on MHA8
Latency Dependent on the software configuration
Resolution Ring MRA7 Ring MRA8Binary 15 bits per revolution
16 bits per revolution17 bits per revolution
16 bits per revolution17 bits per revolution18 bits per revolution
* Note: Slave type interfaces might not be suitable for high-speed closed control loops because of the variable latency time.
Data sheetMHAD01_02
8
Asynchronous serial communication over RS422
Encoder identification, position data and temperature are available over the request-response type of communication over the asynchronous serial link. There are two unidirectional communication channels, forming a full-duplex bidirectional data link. Every channel consists of a two wire differential twisted-pair connection conforming to the RS422 signalling standard.
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rang
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Rt*
VCC
Z
Y
RO
H/F
DE
DI
VCCI
E/
O
Y
Z
B
A
Command
Data
CONTROLLERENCODER
GND GND
ARt*
B
F
* The Command and Data lines are 5 V RS422 compatible differential pairs. The termination resistor on the Command line is integrated inside the encoder. The termination on the end of the Data line at the controller end is required if the total cable length is longer than 5 m. The nominal impedance of the cable is 120 Ω.
Character length 8 bits
Parity None
Stop bits 1
Repetition rate 4 kHz max
Position latency Fixed 250 µs between the position acquisition and first start bit sent out
Communication parameters
Electrical connection
Output type variant A B C D E F
Value 115.2 kbps 128 kbps 230.4 kbps 256 kbps 500 kbps 1 Mbps
Link speed is selectable by the Output type variant in the part number:
Line signalsA Receiver, + input
B Receiver, - input
Y Transmitter, + output
Z Transmitter, - output
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Command set
Encoder status (two bytes):b15 : b10 Reserved, always zero
General statusb9 Error. If bit is set, position is not valid.
b8 Warning. If bit is set, encoder is near operation limits. Position is valid. Resolution and / or accuracy might be lower than specified.
Error and Warning bits can be set at the same time; in this case Error bit has priority. Those two bits are synchronized to the LED indicator on the housing of the encoder: Red = Error, Orange = Warning, Green = Normal operation, No light = no power supply.The warning or error status is more closely defined by the Detailed status bits.
Detailed statusb7 Warning - Signal amplitude too high. The readhead is too close to the ring or an external magnetic field is
present.
b6 Warning - Signal amplitude low. The distance between the readhead and the ring is too high.
b5 Error - Signal lost. The readhead is out of alignment with the ring or the ring is damaged.
b4 Warning - Temperature. The readhead temperature is out of range.
b3 Error - Power supply error. The readhead power supply voltage is out of specified range.
b2 Error - System error. Malfunction detected inside the circuitry or inconsistent calibration data is detected. To reset the System error bit try to cycle the power supply while the rise time is shorter than 20 ms.
b1 Not used
b0 Error - Acceleration error. The position data changed too fast. A stray magnetic field is present or metal particles are present between the readhead and the ring.
Structure of the data packet
Command "v" (small character "v") Response - version info and serial number 5 bytes ASCII identification string ("AksIM") 1 byte ASCII space character 8 bytes ASCII serial number 1 byte binary firmware version 1 byte binary communication interface version (3) 1 byte binary ASIC revision 1 byte binary code identification (7 or 8) 1 byte binary Resolution
Command "1" (ASCII one)
Response - position and status, transmitted once 1 byte header 0xEA 3 bytes binary absolute position, big-endian, left aligned 2 bytes encoder status – see below 1 byte constant footer 0xEF
The next request should not be sent sooner than 250 µs after the end of the previous response from the readhead to allow refreshing of the position data. If request is sent sooner, data will arrive at the end of the refresh cycle.
Command "2" (ASCII two)
Response - position and status, transmitted continuously 1 byte constant header 0xEA 3 bytes binary absolute position, big-endian, left aligned 2 bytes encoder status – see below 1 byte constant footer 0xEF
Command "0" (ASCII zero)
Stop continuous transmission
Command "t" (small character "t")
Response - temperature of the encoder 1 byte signed binary number - temperature of the sensor in °C 1 byte signed binary number - temperature of the processor in °C
Accuracy of the readings is ±3 °CThis function is available with firmware version 30 and later (see command "v" for firmware version).
Data sheetMHAD01_02
10
Output type variant
Parameter Symbol Value Note
A
Signal period tPWM 8192 μs
PWM frequency fPWM 122.07 Hz
Minimum pulse width PWmin 0.125 μs Position 0 (Angle 0°)
Maximum pulse width PWmax 8191.875 μs Positions 65534 and 65535 * (Angle 359.98901° and 359.99451°)
Resolution 16 Bit Fixed; resolution in part number must be set as “16B“
* Note that positions 65534 and 65535 result in the same pulse width PWmax.
PWM - Pulse width modulation output
The PWM interface consists of two digital signals: the Status signal and the PWM Out signal. It is 3.3 V TTL compatible.
Electrical connectionThe Status and PWM Out signals are 3.3 V TTL compatible. These signals have weak ESD protection. Handle with care.
Status signalThe Status signal indicates the current status of the encoder. The Status signal is high for normal operation and valid position information. The low state of the Status signal indicates an error state of the encoder which can be caused by:
• Operation outside the installation tolerances• Invalid or corrupted magnetic pattern of the ring• Sensor malfunction• System error• No power supply
When the Status signal is low, the PWM Out signal is low and no pulses are output.The encoder position is latched on the rising edge of the PWM Out signal. The Status signal should also be checked at the rising edge of the PWM Out signal. If the Status signal changes during the PWM period, it does not affect the currently transmitted position information.
PWM Out signalThe PWM Out is a pulse width modulated output with 16-bit resolution whose duty cycle is proportional to the measured position. The change of the pulse width by 0.125 µs corresponds to a change in position by one count (change in angle for 360° / 65536 ≈ 0.00549°). At 16 bit encoder resolution the base PWM frequency is 122.07 Hz.
0.125 µs 8192 µs
8191.875 µs
Position 0Angle 0°
Position 65535Angle 359.99451°
PWmin
PWmax
tPWM = 1/fPWM
PWM Out signal
ton
PWM Out signal timing diagram
Position [counts] = Position [°] = - 1ton × 65536
tPWM
(ton - 0.125 µs) × 360°tPWM
Communication parametersOutput type variant in the part number defines the PWM frequency and all other dependent parameters.
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Electrical connection
The controller interrogates the readhead for its position and status data by sending a pulse train to the Clock input. The Clock signal always starts from high. The first falling edge 1 latches the last position data available and on the first rising edge 2 the most significant bit (MSB) of the position is transmitted to the Data output. The Data output should then be latched on the following falling edge. On subsequent rising edges of the Clock signal the next bits are transmitted. After the transmission of the last bit 3 the Data output goes to low. When the tM time expires, the Data output is undefined 4 . The Clock signal must remain high for at least tM before the next reading can take place.
While reading the data, the period tCL must always be less than tM. However, reading the encoder position can be terminated at any time by setting the Clock signal to high for the duration of tM.
To allow updating of the position data at least tB should pass between two subsequent readings. If the reading request arrives earlier than tB after the previous reading, the encoder position will not be updated.
tB
tCL1 2 3
tM
4
b1 b2 b3 b29b28 b30 b31
Clock
DataMSB LSBStart Idle
SSI timing diagram
SSI - Synchronous serial interfaceThe encoder position, in up to 18 bit natural binary code, and the encoder status are available through the SSI protocol. The position data is left aligned. After the position data there are two general status bits followed by the detailed status information.
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rang
rc
u
Rt*
VCC
Z
Y
RO
H/F
DE
DI
VCCI
E/
O
Y
Z
B
A
Command
Data
CONTROLLERENCODER
GND GND
ARt*
B
F
* The Command and Data lines are 5 V RS422 compatible differential pairs. The termination resistor on the Command line is integrated inside the encoder. The termination on the end of the Data line at the controller end is required if the total cable length is longer than 5 m. The nominal impedance of the cable is 120 Ω.
The power supply must be applied at least 10 ms before the clock sequence is being sent to the encoder.
Line signalsA Receiver, + input
B Receiver, - input
Y Transmitter, + output
Z Transmitter, - output
Data sheetMHAD01_02
12
Encoder positionb30 : b13 Encoder position – Left aligned, MSB (b1) first, LSB (b18) last. If the encoder resolution is lower than 18 bits,
the last few bits of the encoder position, which are not used, are set to zero.
b12 : b11 Reserved, always zero
General statusb10 Error bit. If set, the position is not valid.
b9 Warning bit. If set, the encoder operation is close to its limits. The position is still valid, but the resolution and/or accuracy might be out of specification.
The Error and Warning bits can be set at the same time, in this case the Error bit has priority.The colour of the LED on the readhead housing indicates the value of the General status bits:Red = Error, Orange = Warning, Green = Normal operation, No light = No power supply.The warning or error status is more closely defined by the Detailed status bits.
Detailed statusb8 Warning - Signal amplitude too high. The readhead is too close to the ring or an external magnetic field is
present.
b7 Warning - Signal amplitude low. The distance between the readhead and the ring is too high.
b6 Error - Signal lost. The readhead is out of alignment with the ring or the ring is damaged.
b5 Warning - Temperature. The readhead temperature is out of range.
b4 Error - Power supply error. The readhead power supply voltage is out of specified range.
b3 Error - System error. Malfunction detected inside the circuitry or inconsistent calibration data is detected. To reset the System error bit try to cycle the power supply while the rise time is shorter than 20 ms.
b2 Not used
b1 Error - Acceleration error. The position data changed too fast. A stray magnetic field is present or metal particles are present between the readhead and the ring.
b0 Reserved, always zero.
Bit b30 : b13 b12 : b21 b10 : b9 b8 : b1 b0
Data length 18 bits 2 bits 2 bits 8 bits 1 bit
Meaning Encoder position Reserved General status Detailed status Reserved
Structure of the data packet
Parameter Symbol Min Typ MaxClock period tCL 2 µs 20 µs
Clock frequency fCL 50 kHz 500 kHz
Monoflop time tM 20 µs
Update time tB 250 µs
Communication parameters
Start bit and idle line value are defined by the Output type variant.
Output type variant Line state selectionA Start bit = 0; idle line = 0
B Start bit = 1; idle line = 1
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SPI - Serial peripheral interface – slave mode
The SPI interface is designed for communication with nearby devices.
Electrical connection
Communication parameters
Output type variant
Description Parameter Value
S SPI slave - simple mode
Resolution Fixed - resolution in part number must be set as "16B"
Status Error status available on a separate wire
Data length 16 bit data packet - position only
A SPI slave - advanced mode
Resolution Selectable (see part numbering)
Status All status bits are available through the SPI
Data length 40 bit data packet - position, status, CRC
Signal Description
CS Active low. CS line is used for synchronisation between master and slave devices. During communication it must be held low. Idle is high. Rising edge on CS signal resets the SPI interface.
SCK Clocks out the data on rising edge. Max frequency 3 MHz at 1.5 m cable length.
MISO Data is output on rising edge on SCK after CS low. Data is valid on the falling edge of SCK signal.During CS=1 MISO line is in high-Z mode.
Status Indicates normal operation (only available with S option).
Output type variant in the part number defines the SPI interface type and all dependent parameters.
All data signals are 3.3 V LVTTL. Inputs are 5 V tolerant.
Parameter Symbol Min Typ Max NoteClock frequency fCLK 1 Hz 3 MHz Max frequency with 1.5 m cable
Time after CS low to first CLK rising edge tS 1 µs
Time after last CLK falling edge to CS high tH 1 µs
CS high time tR 8 µs Time to complete SPI reset
Read repetition rate fREP 4 kHz If higher, the same position data might be transmitted twice
Structure of the data packetData packet is 16 bits long. MSB first. Left aligned. Position only, no status bits. Only 16-bit resolution available. Repetition of reading max 4000 times per second. If higher, it is possible to read the same position data twice.
Status signalThe Status signal indicates the current status of the encoder. The Status signal is high for normal operation and valid position information. The low state of the Status signal indicates an error state of the encoder which can be caused by: Operation outside the installation tolerances, invalid or corrupt magnetic pattern of the ring, sensor malfunction, system error or no power supply.When the Status signal is low, the data read through the SPI interface is invalid. The Status signal should be checked at the first rising edge of the SCK signal. If the Status signal changes during the data transmission, it does not affect the currently transmitted position information.
SPI slave - simple mode (option S)
CS
SCK
MISO
MSB LSB
tS t H t R
b15 b14 b13 b12 b11 b0b1b2b3b4 HiZ
position
SPI slave timing diagram (option S)
Data sheetMHAD01_02
14
Structure of the data packetData packet is 40 bits long. MSB first. Position data is left aligned.Repetition of reading max 4000 times per second. If higher, it is possible to read the same position data twice.
Status signalThe Status signal is not available in Advanced mode.
SPI slave - advanced mode (option A)
Bit b31 : b14 b13 : b12 b11 : b10 b9 : b2 b1 : b0 c7 : c0
Data length 18 bits 2 bits 2 bits 8 bits 2 bits 8 bits
Meaning Encoderposition
Reservedalways 0
Generalstatus
Detailedstatus
Reservedalways 1 CRC
Encoder positionb31 : b14 Encoder position, left aligned, MSB first. If the encoder resolution is lower than 18 bits, the last few bits
of the encoder position, which are not used, are set to zero.
General statusb11 Error. If bit is set, position is not valid.
b10 Warning. If bit is set, encoder is near operation limits. Position is valid. Resolution and / or accuracy might be lower than specified.
Error and Warning bits can be set at the same time; in this case Error bit has priority. Those two bits are synchronized to the LED indicator on the housing of the encoder: Red = Error, Orange = Warning, Green = Normal operation, No light = no power supply.The warning or error status is more closely defined by the Detailed status bits.
Detailed statusb9 Warning - Signal amplitude too high. The readhead is too close to the ring or an external magnetic field
is present.
b8 Warning - Signal amplitude low. The distance between the readhead and the ring is too high.
b7 Error - Signal lost. The readhead is out of alignment with the ring or the ring is damaged.
b6 Warning - Temperature. The readhead temperature is out of range.
b5 Error - Power supply error. The readhead power supply voltage is out of specified range.
b4 Error - System error. Malfunction detected inside the circuitry or inconsistent calibration data is detected. To reset the System error bit try to cycle the power supply while the rise time is shorter than 20 ms.
b3 Not used
b2 Error - Acceleration error. The position data changed too fast. A stray magnetic field is present or metal particles are present between the readhead and the ring.
CRCc7 : c0 CRC check with polynomial 0x97 - see Application Note on the website: www.rls.si/AksIM
CS
SCK
MISO
MSB LSB
t S t H t R
b31 b30 b29 b28 b27 c0c1c2c3c4
position + status CRC
HiZ
SPI slave timing diagram (option A)
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USB - Universal serial bus
Encoder identification, position data and temperature are available over the request-response type of communication over the Universal Serial Bus (USB). The encoder is recognised by a computer as a virtual COM port. This type of communication can be used for direct connection to a measuring station powered by an (industrial) PC. Drivers are available for Windows XP and Windows 7 operating systems. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions are supported. The encoder may not be correctly recognised if plugged into a USB 3.0 port. Please use USB 2.0 port or USB hub. The encoder can be accessed from any software that supports connection to a virtual COM port (for example C++, Delphi, Labview, etc.).
Electrical connection USB cable with A type USB connector is provided. Cable length is 1.8 meter. It can be extended to 5 meters with certified USB extension cords capable of carrying higher supply currents (200 mA minimum).
USB driversUSB drivers for the virtual COM port are available on the RLS website: www.rls.si/AksIM
Communication parametersSettings of baud rate, character length and parity bits do not affect the communication. Any value can be used.
Output type variant does not affect the USB interface. Use default value "B".
Command set
Command "v" (small character "v") Response - version info and serial number 5 bytes ASCII identification string ("AksIM") 1 byte ASCII space character 8 bytes ASCII serial number 1 byte binary firmware version 1 byte binary communication interface version (3) 1 byte binary ASIC revision 1 byte binary code identification (7 or 8) 1 byte binary Resolution
Command "1" (ASCII one)
Response - position and status, transmitted once 1 byte header 0xEA 3 bytes binary absolute position, big-endian, left aligned 2 bytes encoder status – see below 1 byte constant footer 0xEF
The next request should not be sent sooner than 250 µs after the end of the previous response from the readhead to allow refreshing of the position data. If request is sent sooner, data will arrive at the end of the refresh cycle.
Command "2" (ASCII two)
Response - position and status, transmitted continuously 1 byte constant header 0xEA 3 bytes binary absolute position, big-endian, left aligned 2 bytes encoder status – see below 1 byte constant footer 0xEF
Command "0" (ASCII zero)
Stop continuous transmission
Command "t" (small character "t")
Response - temperature of the encoder 1 byte signed binary number - temperature of the sensor in °C 1 byte signed binary number - temperature of the processor in °C
Accuracy of the readings is ±3 °CThis function is available with firmware revision 30 and later.
Data sheetMHAD01_02
16
Encoder status (two bytes):b15 : b10 Reserved; always zero
General statusb9 Error. If bit is set, position is not valid.
b8 Warning. If bit is set, encoder is near operation limits. Position is valid. Resolution and/or accuracy might be lower than specified.
Error and Warning bits can be set at the same time; in this case Error bit has priority. Those two bits are synchronized to the LED indicator on the housing of the encoder: Red = Error, Orange = Warning, Green = Normal operation, No light = no power supply.The warning or error status is more closely defined by the Detailed status bits.
Detailed statusb7 Warning - Signal amplitude too high. The readhead is too close to the ring or an external magnetic field is
present.
b6 Warning - Signal amplitude low. The distance between the readhead and the ring is too high.
b5 Error - Signal lost. The readhead is out of alignment with the ring or the ring is damaged.
b4 Warning - Temperature. The readhead temperature is out of range.
b3 Error - Power supply error. The readhead power supply voltage is out of specified range.
b2 Error - System error. Malfunction detected inside the circuitry or inconsistent calibration data is detected. To reset the System error bit try to cycle the power supply while the rise time is shorter than 20 ms.
b1 Not used
b0 Error - Acceleration error. The position data changed too fast. A stray magnetic field is present or metal particles are present between the readhead and the ring.
Structure of the data packet
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AksIM readhead part numbering
Cable length10 - 1.0 m 18 - standard with US output type
Connector optionF - Flying leads (no connector) U - USB type A (only available with US output type)
Special requirements00 - StandardMRA ring compatibility
7 - For use with MRA7 ring8 - For use with MRA8 ring
MHA 7 SF A 16B T 10 F 00
Output typeSF - Asynchronous serial, RS422PW - Pulse width modulated (PWM) SC - Binary synchro-serial (SSI), RS422SP - SPI slaveUS - USB 1.1
AksIM ring part numbering
MRA 7 D 049 A A 025 B 00
SeriesMHA - Magnetic head AksIM
Resolution
For output types and variants SFx, SCx and SPA: 15B - 15 bits per revolution* 16B - 16 bits per revolution17B - 17 bits per revolution18B - 18 bits per revolution**
* For MHA7 readhead only ** For MHA8 readhead only
HousingT - T-shape (standard)
SeriesMRA - Magnetic ring AksIM
MRA ring type7 - For use with MHA7 readhead8 - For use with MHA8 readhead
AccuracyD - ±0.1°
Outer diameter049 - 49 mm For MRA7080 - 80 mm For MRA8
MaterialA - Stainless steel with glued NBR bonded ferrite
Cross sectionA - Standard
Inner diameter025 - 25 mm For MRA7055 - 55 mm For MRA8
Zero positionB - Marked by additional hole in metal hub
Special requirements00 - Standard
Currently available ring options:MRA7D049AA025B00MRA8D080AA055B00
Output type variantSee table next to the description of the chosen output type for detailed information For output type SF: Link speed in kbps:
For output type PW: A - 122.07 Hz base frequency (16 bit resolution only)For output type SC: A - Start bit and idle data line 0 B - Start bit and idle data line 1For output type SP: A - SPI slave advanced (40-bit word) S - SPI slave simple (16-bit word)For output type US: B - Standard
Accessories
MHA7TACC01 Alignment tool for MHA7 readhead / MRA7 ring radial positioningMHA8TACC01 Alignment tool for MHA8 readhead / MRA8 ring radial positioning
A B C D E F115.2 128 230.4 256 500 1000
For output types and variants PWA and SPS: 16B - 16 bits per revolution
RLS d.o.o. has made considerable effort to ensure the content of this document is correct at the date of publication but makes no warranties or representations regarding the content. RLS d.o.o. excludes liability, howsoever arising, for any inaccuracies in this document. © 2013 RLS d.o.o.
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Issue Date Page Corrections made1 7. 1. 2013 - New document
2 24. 4. 2013 Power supply range, voltage drop on cable, IP protection, installation tolerances, accuracy, SPI-S, SPI-A, USB, part numbering
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